Introduction
This report covers an independent birding trip made to Ecuador by myself, my wife Linda and our 11 year old son Brent. This was only my second trip to South America, the first being to Venezuela back in 1992, so it very much a tick fest, with just over 300 new birds for me out of a species total of 500 species.
Transport
We pre-booked a 4WD from Hertz, several months in advance from the UK. Upon our arrival at Quito, we found the office had been closed for several week, so has to hire a more expensive Mitsubishi 4WD from Avis. We complained to Hertz's on our return to the UK, and to Hertz's credit they did refund the difference that we had to pay in the costs between the 2 vehicles. So we actually ended up with a much higher spec. vehicle for the same price as our original booking.
Weather
The first week, on the west slope, around the Tandayapa Valley, was mostly dry and sunny, with some light rain and low cloud. This is in contrast the time we spent on the east slope at Guango & Cabanas San Isidro, where it rained for about 50% of the time, as a result the area around the Papallacta Pass was always shrouded in thick fog. The weather at Sacha was mostly dry, with about half a days rain over the 7 days.
Books & CD's
The field guide is The Birds of Ecuador by Robert S Ridgely and Paul J. Greenfield, which is an excellent guide but mammoth tomb to take into the field. I brought an extra copy and had just the plates bound, which I used in the field. I also used Nigel Wheatleys 'Where to watch birds in South America' in the initial trip planning stages.
I used the following CD's which were purchased from Wildsounds (wildsounds.co.uk): The Birds of Northwest Ecuador Volume 1 and 2. Birds of The Ecuadorian Highlands.
Accommodation
All accommodation was booked in advance from the UK except for the last 2 nights at the
Hotel San Jorge, which was booked for us from the Cabanas San Isidro.
We stayed at:
Bellavista: http://www.bellavistacloudforest.com Excellent food, accommodation and trails, with resident bird guide, who we did not use but was very knowledgeable. Bellavista caters for the both birder and people who just want to experience the cloud forest. A number of people day trip this lodge, which is renowned for its cuisine. Excellent hummingbird feeders.
Tandayapa: http://www.tandayapa.com Excellent lodge designed for, and run by birders. Superb food and trails. There are resident bird guides one of which, Mark Gurney, guided us for the day around the Milpe Bird Sanctuary and the Mindo Valley. He was an excellent (British) guide as well as very good company. Excellent hummingbird feeders.
Termas de Papallacta Hotel: http://www.termaspapallacta.com/index_fl.html excellent hotel, located within the thermal baths complex, just outside the village of Papallacta. This is an excellent base from which to explore the area around the Papallacta Pass.
Cabanas San Isidro: http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/sanisidro/index.html. The accommodation here in is a series of self-contained cabins, with excellent meals being served in the main house. Birding is on a number of private trails, as well as along the nearby roads. This is also a useful base for exploring nearby sites such as the Guacamayos ridge. Excellent hummingbird feeders.
Guango Lodge: the same family as the Cabanas San Isidro, through which the accommodation can be booked, owns This lodge. Excellent food, accommodation and hummingbird feeders. There are a number of private trails. This can also be used as a base for the nearby paramo and Papallacta Pass area.
Sacha Lodge: This lodge is a birders paradise and probably the most impressive birding location I have ever stayed. The combination of excellent; birding, accommodation, food and staff all set in an incredible Amazonian location make this a wonderful birding destination. We booked a 7 night stay with the lodge direct by e-mailing: karina@sachalodge.com.ec A stay here is booked as a package which included all transport to/from the lodge, food, daily excursions, and guides.
I specified a 'hardcore' birding package for myself where Linda & Brent went for a more general package. This meant that I spent most of the days alone with my 2 guides - talk about a personal service!
Hosteria San Jorge: http://www.hostsanjorge.com.ec Excellent food and accommodation, located at Km 4 on the Cotocollao-Nono road, only 20 minutes from the city, at the northeast Pichincha foothills. This is a very convenient location, close to, but out of, the city and an excellent base for visiting the nearby Yanacocha Reserve
Itinerary
8-Aug-04 Arrived in Quito at c8.30 in the morning, only to find that Hertz office, the company through which we had arranged our hire vehicle, had been closed for several weeks. Luckily Avis had a 4WD drive vehicle available. We drove straight to Bellavista and after lunch spent the afternoon watching the hummingbird feeders & birding the trails closed to the Lodge. Bellavista
9-Aug-04 The morning was spent birding the trails. After lunch we walked down to Tony's house, where we spent an hour watching the hummers visiting his feeders. Bellavista
10-Aug-04 The day was again spent birding the trails, whilst Linda & Brent horse riding in the morning. Bellavista
11-Aug-04 The last morning at Bellavista, was again spent on the trails & the Research Centre road.In the afternoon we drove down to Tandayapa Lodge, where we had lunch. The early afternoon was spent watching the feeders before heading out on to the trails for the rest of the day. Tandayapa Lodge
12-Aug-04 The first couple of hours of the day were spent at the Antpitta feeding station, with the rest of the day being spent on the trails. Tandayapa Lodge
13-Aug-04 Today we hired the services of Mark Gurney, one of the resident bird guides at Tandayapa. The morning was spent at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, before heading into San Miguel de los Bancos for lunch. The afternoon was spent around Mindo before finishing the day at Mindo Loma (cKM73) Tandayapa Lodge
14-Aug-04 The morning was spent birding along the road by the lodge, before starting the journey to Papallacta, which was quite eventful, as we got completely lost heading out of Quito. After brief stop at the fog bound pass, we headed down to the hotel. The late afternoon was spent birding around the Hotel and along the road back to the village. Termas de Papallacta Hotel
15-Aug-04 A dawn start, found me heading back up to the pass, but the driving sleet & snow combined with thick fog made birding impossible. I descended down to the polyepis wood and spent a couple of hours birding the wood & nearby lake. A brief retuned to the pass proved pointless, as the conditions were not much better. An hour or so was spent around the Papallacta Lake, before heading back to the Hotel. In the afternoon we drove down to the Cabanas san Isidro, where the late afternoon was spent around the grounds & the start of the trail system. Cabanas San Isidro
16-Aug-04 The morning was spent birding the road, with the afternoon being spent on the trials. Cabanas San Isidro
17-Aug-04 At dawn Brent & I headed off to the Guacamayos Ridge, where the morning was spent birding the ridge trail. The afternoon was spent along the road near the San Isidro entrance. Cabanas San Isidro
18-Aug-04 Spent a couple of hours on the tails, first thing, which was pretty unproductive, in part due to the heavy rain. After breakfast we headed back up to the Papallacta Pass, which was still shrouded in thick fog, accompanied by more rain. Headed down to Guango Lodge in the afternoon and birded the pipeline track, which runs along side the river. Guango Lodge
19-Aug-04 The morning was spent birding around the lodge and the pipeline trail in almost continuous rain. In the afternoon I headed back up the pass, dropping off Linda & Brent at the Termas de Papallacta en route. This was my last chance to catch up with the high Paramo species, but yet again thick fog foiled my attempts. Guango Lodge
20-Aug-04 We left Guango at dawn and headed back to Quito, from where we flew to Cocoa, from where we took the 2 hour boat trip to Sacha Lodge. Birded around the finca (where the boat arrives) for a short while before walking the trail and boardwalk to the lagoon where we boarded canoes, which took us to the lodge. At the lodge we became acquainted with the guides who would accompany us during our stay. I was very fortunate in being paired with Oscar Tapuy, probable the leading bird guide for this region, supported by the native guide Marcella, who also proved to be outstanding. After nightfall we went foe a short night walk before retuning for an evening meal. Sacha Lodge
21-Aug-04 After a pre-dawn breakfast the 'keen birders' myself, and an American couple (Perrier & BK ) headed out across the lagoon for a full bays birding. We started by birding a couple of the River Napo islands before heading on to the trails on the south side of the river, where we spent most of the day. Oscars knowledge of the area and his phenomenal knowledge of calls combined with Marcella's sharp eyes resulted in an incredible days birding. I had 54 lifers, which is the most I have ever achieved in a single days birding! Sacha Lodge
22-Aug-04 Most of the day was spent on the trails in the vicinity of the Lodge, with visits to both the metal canopy tower in the morning and the wooden canopy tower in the evening. Sacha Lodge
23-Aug-04 Most of the day was again spent on the trails in the vicinity of the lodge, with an early morning start on the wooden canopy tower. Sacha Lodge
24-Aug-04 We spent the day down the River Napo visiting a couple of riverine islands, as well as the 2x parrot licks. Most of the birding was done on the trail to, and beyond, the inland parrot lick. Sacha Lodge
25-Aug-04 The day was spent on the trails in the vicinity of the Lodge Sacha
26-Aug-04 The day was spend birding the trails on the south side of the River Napo Sacha Lodge
27-Aug-04 Most of the day was spent travelling back to Quito, where we picked up another hire car and drove the short distance out of the city to the Hosteria San Jorge. The last couple of hours daylight were spent birding near the hotel. Hosteria San Jorge
28-Aug-04 The morning was spend at Yanacocha San Jorge
29-Aug-04 Departed Quito for the UK
Species List - Birds (seen only)
Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)
A single roosting bird spotlighted at Sacha Lodge on 22/8.
Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus)
A single seen crossing the track, which runs alongside the river
Napo at Sacha Lodge on 26/9. Regularly heard in this area.
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
Seen a couple of times around Sacha Lodge.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Several birds recorded on the River Napo.
Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus)
A single, seen in flight along the River Napo.
Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
Several birds recorded on the River Napo.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Several birds recorded around Milpe Bird Sanctuary on 13/8
Striated Heron (Butorides striatus [striatus])
Several birds recorded along the River Napo.
Agami Heron (Agamia agami)
Excellent views of a bird in the channel the runs from the lake to the wooden canopy tower, at Sacha Lodge, just after dawn on 25/8.
Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Several sightings around Sacha Lodge.
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearia)
At Sacha Lodge: A single in flight on 23/08 & 2 birds at a daytime roost on 25/8.
Rufescent Tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
About 6 sightings around Sacha Lodge.
Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus undulatus)
Superb views of a bird taped in at dawn, along boardwalk, which runs from the lake to the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Black-bellied Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
A single bird spent the day around the Sacha Lodge Lake on 25/8, where there have only been a couple of previous records.
Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea)
About 20 birds scattered around the lake, which lies behind the polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 15/8.
Speckled Teal (Anas flavirostris)
About 25 birds recorded on Papallacta Lake on two dates.
Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica)
About 30 birds on Papallacta Lake on 15/8 and 15 there on 18/08.
American Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Regularly recorded in the Amazonian lowlands
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Regularly recorded in the Amazonian lowlands
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes melambrotus)
Several recorded along the River Napo & around Sacha Lodge.
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
A single high, over Papallacta Lake, on 15/8.
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
A single, at Sacha Lodge on 23/8.
American Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
A single near Mindo on 13/08 and a flock of 50+ birds along the River Napo on the 27/8.
Slender-billed Kite (Rostrhamus hamatus)
At Sacha Lodge, single birds recorded from the wooden canopy tower on 23/8 and along one of the trails near the lodge on 25/8.
Double-toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus)
Recorded on two dates around Sacha Lodge.
Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
Regular around Sacha Lodge with up to 8 birds recorded together.
Slate-coloured Hawk (Leucopternis schistacea)
A single, from the metal canopy tower, at Sacha Lodge, 22/8.
White Hawk (Leucopternis albicollis)
A single from the wooden canopy tower on 23/8.
Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Oroaetus isidori)
A single at Tandayapa Lodge on 14/8 and a single at Cabanas San Isidro on 16/8.
Black Caracara (Daptrius ater)
Regular around Sacha Lodge, particularly on the River Napo
Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
Several birds recorded along the River Napo
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
A single, perched in a dead tree along the River Napo on the boat journey to the parrot lick on 24/8.
Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata [motmot])
Small numbers recorded around Sacha Lodge & trails.
Spix's Guan (Penelope jacquacu)
Single birds recorded on two dates at Sacha Lodge.
Blue-throated Piping-guan (Pipile cumanensis [pipile])
A single, recorded from the canoe, along the creek on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on 21/8.
Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Recorded at Bellavista on two dates: 2on 9/8 and a single the following day
Marbled Wood-quail (Odontophorus gujanensis)
A single roosting bird spotlighted at Sacha Lodge on 20/8.
Chestnut-headed Crake (Anurolimnas castaneiceps)
An extremely obliging bird came in to a tape along the trail on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on 26/8
Grey-breasted Crake (Laterallus exilis)
Excellent views of two birds, that virtually walked around our feet, in response to a tape on one of the Napo River islands, near Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Slate-coloured Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)
3, on the edge of the lake, which lies behind the polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 15/8.
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
At least 2 birds seen on several dates around Sacha Lodge lake.
Grey-winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans)
A party of at least 6 birds on the trail behind Sacha Lodge on 23/9. There is also a tame (pet) bird, which resides around the lodge, often appearing in the restaurant at breakfast where it can be hand-fed bananas.
Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris)
A single, on the River Napo, near Sacha Lodge, on 24/8.
Spotted Sandpiper (Tringa macularia [hypoleucos])
Small numbers along the River Napo.
Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
An immature bird (2nd calendar year?) was on a River Napo sandbank near Sacha Lodge on 24/8. Although initially called as a Laughing Gull by the guides, I was immediately struck by the size/structure and the overall paleness of the bird. This was the first record for the Sacha Lodge area and was completely out of a range, as this species is apparently usually restricted to the paramo & temperate zones and is “not known to range into the lowlands”.
Yellow-billed Tern (Sterna superciliariss)
A single, on the River Napo on the 24/8.
Band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata)
Recorded at Bellavista and Tandayapa
Pale-vented Pigeon (Columba cayennensis)
Regular at Sacha Lodge.
Plumbeous Pigeon (Columba plumbea)
A single at Bellavista on the 9/8.
Ruddy Pigeon (Columba subvinacea)
3, Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
Commonly recorded around Quito.
Common Ground-dove (Columbina passerina)
2 just outside Quito on 28/8.
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
A single at Bellavista on 9/8.
Grey-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Singles recorded at Sacha Lodge on three dates.
Sapphire Quail-dove (Geotrygon saphirina)
A single along a trail near the Parrot lick, near Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
White-throated Quail-dove (Geotrygon frenata)
A single bird seen daily at Bellavista, usually around the compost heap and up to 3 birds regularly seen on the trails at Tandayapa.
Ruddy Quail-dove (Geotrygon montana)
1 Sacha Lodge on 23/08.
Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
At Sacha Lodge, 3 on the 21/8 & 2 on the 25/8.
Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severa)
5, at Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Dusky-headed Parakeet (Aratinga weddellii)
At least 50 birds around the riverside parrot lick near Sacha Lode 24/8.
Maroon-tailed Parakeet [sp] (Pyrrhura melanura)
3, at Sacha Lodge on 23/08.
Barred Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola)
A party of about 30 over Cabanas San Isidro on 17/8.
Dusky-billed Parrotlet (Forpus sclateri)
2 Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
Cobalt-winged Parakeet [sp] (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
Regular around Sacha Lodge, with over 100 birds coming down to the inland parrot lick on 24/8.
Black-headed Parrot (Pionites melanocephala)
A single seen from the wooden canopy hide at Sacha Lodge on 22/8.
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus)
20+ birds at the riverside parrot lick near Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica)
Small numbers recorded at Sacha Lodge
Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)
2 Bellavista on the 10/8 & 2 Cabanas San Isidro on the 17/8.
White-capped Parrot (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
A party of about 20 birds seen well in flight over Cabanas San Isidro on 17/8. NB Several hundred parrots were seen in flight around San Isidro, over the three days we were there, but we were unable to identify the majority.
Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus)
3 Milpe bird Sanctuary on the 13/9.
Yellow-crowned Parrot (Amazona ochrocephala)
50+ birds around the riverside parrot lick on 24/8.
Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa)
40+ birds around the riverside parrot lick on 24/8.
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
1 Tandayapa on the 12/8.
Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Small numbers daily around Sacha Lodge.
Greater Ani (Crotophaga major)
Small numbers around Sacha Lodge.
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)
Quite common around Sacha Lodge
Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia)
A single, feeding on the lawn of a large house along the Mindo entrance road, on the 13/8.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
2 birds found roosting near the polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 18/8.
Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata)
A calling bird was finally tracked down and spotlighted at Sacha Lodge on the 25/8.
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
A single bird showed very well, in response to a tape, along the boardwalk between the river and the lake at Sacha Lodge at dawn on 21/8.
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
1 or 2 were roosting daily along the boardwalk between the river and the lake at Sacha Lodge.
Grey [Common]Potoo (Nyctibius griseus)
A bird roosted daily on the edge of the lake, near the jetty at Sacha Lodge (only visible forma boat).
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (Lurocalis rufiventris [semitorquatus])
1 over Bellavista at dawn on 9/8.
Ladder-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Singles recorded along the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on two dates. 1 flushed from its daytime rosy on one of the river islands & the other roosting on a branch along the bank of the river.
Chestnut-collared Swift (Cypseloides rutilus)
20+ over Cabanas San Isidro on 18/8.
White-chested Swift (Cypseloides lemosi)
At least 1 individual amongst the above species at Cabanas San Isidro on 18/8.
White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Small numbers recorded at Cabanas San Isidro, over the River Napo near Coca and Yanacocha.
Short-tailed Swift (Chaetura brachyura)
Recorded most days around Sacha Lodge.
Fork-tailed Palm-swift (Tachornis squamata)
Small numbers recorded on several dates around Sacha Lodge
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis)
1 Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsuta)
Singles recorded on 2 dates at Sacha Lodge.
White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui)
1 or 2 birds around feeders in Mindo on 13/8.
Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
Occasional birds visiting feeders at Tandayapa & Bellavista.
Great-billed Hermit (Phaethornis malaris)
Singles recorded on 2 dates at Sacha Lodge.
White-bearded Hermit (Phaethornis hispidus)
Singles recorded on four dates at Sacha Lodge.
Straight-billed Hermit (Phaethornis bourcieri)
Singles recorded on 3 dates at Sacha Lodge.
Black-throated Hermit (Phaethornis atrimentalis)
A single recorded south of the River Napo at Sacha Lodge on 21/8.
Green-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera ludovicae)
A single at the feeders at Tandayapa on 11/8.
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
4+ visiting feeders in Mindo on 13/8 & a single at Sacha Lodge on 23/8.
Brown Violet-ear (Colibri delphinae)
2+ visiting feeders in Mindo on 13/8
Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus)
Small numbers regular at the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders
Sparkling Violet-ear (Colibri coruscans)
Regular at the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Black-bellied Thorntail (Popelairia langsdorffi)
A single, high in the canopy at Sacha Lodge on 25/8.
Western [Blue-tailed] Emerald (Chlorostilbon[melanorhychus]mellisugus)
Occasional birds visiting the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders
Green-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania fannyi [furcata])
A single, visiting feeders in Mindo on 13/8
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)
A single Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Glittering-throated Emerald (Amazilia fimbriata)
A single Sacha Lodge on 21/8. .
Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae)
Regular, in small numbers, at the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
One or two birds visiting the Tandayapa Feeders.
Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys)
Fairly common at Bellavista, Tandayapa, Guango and Cabanas San Isidro.
Empress Brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
A single, was occasional visiting the feeders at Tandayapa.
Gould's Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens)
A single seen from the wooden canopy tower, at Sacha Lodge, on 22/8.
Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
Regular the Bellavista, Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro feeders.
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
A single, visiting a feeder at a café /hotel in San Miguel de los Bancos on the 13/8, where we stopped for lunch after visiting the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
A female occasionally visiting feeders at Cabanas San Isidro and had been present for several weeks.
Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
Common around the Termas de Papallacta hotel and a single bird around the Guango Lodge feeders.
Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
Small numbers visiting the Guango Lodge feeders
Great Sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
6+ visiting feeders along the Yanacocha track
Bronzy Inca (Coeligena coeligena)
Small numbers visiting the feeders at Cabanas San Isidro.
Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni)
Regular in small numbers at the Bellavista, Tandayapa feeders.
Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata)
Common at Bellavista, Tandayapa, Guango and Cabanas San Isidro.
Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae)
Regular in small numbers at the Guango Lodge and Yanacocha feeders.
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
Regular in small numbers at the Guango Lodge feeders.
Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens)
Common at the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders. A single bird of the eastern form at the Guango Lodge feeders on 19/8.
Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
Fairly common at the Cabanas San Isidro feeders & 1 or 2 birds at the Guango Lodge feeders.
Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini)
3+ visiting the feeders at Mindo Loma on the 13/8.
Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus)
Small numbers visiting the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis)
Common at the Guango Lodge feeders.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)
Small numbers visiting the feeders at Yanacocha and Hosteria San Jorge.
Golden-breasted Puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera)
Small numbers visiting the feeders at Guango Lodge and Yanacocha.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini)
Small numbers visiting the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii)
Fairly common at the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae)
Small numbers around the gardens feeders Hosteria San Jorge
Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna)
2 visiting flowers in Tony Nunnery's garden, were the only ones recorded.
Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina)
Regular at the Guango Lodge and Hosteria San Jorge feeders.
Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi)
Regularly visited the feeders at Cabanas San Isidro and Guango Lodge.
Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis [kingi])
Small numbers visiting the Bellavista & Tandayapa feeders.
Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti [aurita])
A single, recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on 13/8.
Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris)
A single, recorded on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on 25/8.
Purple-throated Woodstar (Philodice mitchellii)
Regular in small numbers at the Bellavista, Tandayapa feeders.
White-bellied Woodstar (Acestrura mulsant)
A single, visited the feeders at Tandayapa on 12/8 & small numbers regular at the Guango Lodge feeders.
Gorgeted Woodstar (Acestrura heliodor)
A single female visited the feeders at Guango Lodge on 19/8.
Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus)
Singles recorded at Bellavista, near the research centre and along the road at Cabanas San Isidro.
Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps [pavoninus])
Singles recorded on the Potoo Trail at Tandayapa and along the road at Cabanas San Isidro.
[Amazonian] White-tailed Trogon (Trogon viridis)
Several sightings around Sacha Lodge.
Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)
Recorded around Bellavista, Tandayapa, Cabanas San Isidro and Guango.
Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus)
A single, recorded near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Blue-crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui)
A single, recorded along the trail running from the River Napo to the boardwalk at Sacha Lodge on 26/8.
[Amazonian] Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus)
Several sighting around Sacha Lodge.
Black-tailed Trogon (Trogon melanurus)
Several sighting around Sacha Lodge.
Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
Recorded on several dates around Sacha Lodge.
Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
A single, in the creek on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on 26/8.
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
A single, on several dates along the creek running from the lake to the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge.
American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)
A single, on several dates along the creek running from the lake to the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge.
Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum)
2 birds at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 23/8 and a single at Sacha Lodge on 22/8.
Blue-crowned Motmot [sp] (Momotus momota)
Singles recorded on two dates at Sacha Lodge.
Highland Motmot (Momotus momota aequatorialis)
A single, along the entrance track to Cabanas San Isidro on the 17/08.
White-eared Jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
4 sightings around Sacha Lodge, usually in the vicinity of the Finca.
Brown Jacamar (Brachygalba lugubris)
A single sighting, along the River Napo, just West of the Finca.
Yellow-billed Jacamar (Galbula albirostris)
A single, on trails south of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on 26/8.
White-chinned Jacamar (Galbula tombacea)
About 5 sighting in flooded forest around Sacha Lodge.
Bronzy Jacamar (Galbula leucogastra)
A single, near the metal canopy tower, Sacha Lodge 22/8.
Great Jacamar (Jacamerops aureus)
3 sightings around Sacha Lodge.
White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus macrorhynchos)
2 seen from the metal canopy tower, Sacha Lodge, on 22/8.
Chestnut-capped Puffbird (Bucco macrodactylus)
A Single, on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on 21/8.
Collared Puffbird (Bucco capensis)
2 recorded at Sacha Lodge.
White-chested Puffbird (Malacoptila fusca)
2 recorded at Sacha Lodge.
Brown Nunlet (Nonnula brunnea)
A single, along the trail near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge, 24/8.
Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons)
Several sightings at Sacha Lodge, usually around the trail running from the Finca to the boardwalk.
White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa morphoeus)
4 sightings Sacha Lodge.
Yellow-billed Nunbird (Monasa flavirostris)
A single, along the trail running from the River Napo to the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge, 24/8.
Swallow-wing (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Several, recorded along the River Napo.
Gilded [Black-spotted] Barbet (Capito auratus [niger])
2 seen from the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge, 22/8.
Lemon-throated Barbet (Eubucco richardsoni)
Singles from the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge, on the 22 & 23/8.
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
A single, at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus)
2 at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8. These were particularly pleasing as I had heard, but failed to see, several birds around Bellavista & Tandayapa on the previous few days.
Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus [viridis])
A single at Sacha Lodge on 23/8.
Ivory-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus azara)
3 seen from the metal canopy tower, Sacha Lodge, 23/8.
Chestnut-eared Aracari (Pteroglossus castanotis)
A single, along the creek on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge 21/8.
Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius [sanguineus])
A single, seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8.
Many-banded Aracari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
3 sightings at Sacha Lodge.
Plate-billed Mountain-toucan (Andigena laminirostris)
Up to 6 recorded daily around Bellavista.
Choco Toucan (Ramphastos brevis [sulfuratus])
2, at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, 13/8.
Cuvier's [White throated] Toucan (Ramphastos cuvieri [tucanus])
Small numbers recorded at Sacha Lodge on most days
Lafresnaye's Piculet (Picumnus lafresnayi)
A single at the finca, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus)
Recorded at Ballavista, Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro.
Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Veniliornis fumigatus)
2 at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8.
Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus rubiginosus)
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8.
Spot-breasted Woodpecker (Colaptes punctigula)
A single at the finca, Sacha Lodge, on the 20/8.
Scaly-breasted Woodpecker (Celeus grammicus)
A single, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Chestnut Woodpecker (Celeus elegans)
Recorded on 3 dates at Sacha Lodge.
Cream-coloured Woodpecker (Celeus flavus)
Two sighting of single birds on the 22/8.
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus)
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8 & two sightings at Sacha Lodge.
Powerful Woodpecker (Campephilus pollens)
3, Tandayapa on 11/8 and 2 birds at Cabanas San Isidro on 18/8.
Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos)
3 sightings at Sacha Lodge.
Guayaquil Woodpecker (Campephilus gayaquilensis [melanoleucos])
A single at the Milpe Birs Sanctuary 13/8.
Tyrannine Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla tyrannina)
A single at Tandayapa on the 12/8.
Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
Recorded on 2 dates at Sacha Lodge.
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
Recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Sacha Lodge.
Long-billed Woodcreeper (Nasica longirostris)
2, Sacha Lodge on the 26/8.
Strong-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
A single, Tandayapa on 11 & 12/8.
Straight-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus picus)
2, at the finca, Sacha Lodge on the 26/8. .
Striped Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
A single at Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
Spix's Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus spixii)
2, Sacha Lodge on the 23/8.
Buff-throated Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
A singles at Sacha Lodge, on two dates.
Black-striped Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)
A single, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8. .
Olive-backed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
A single bird Cabanas San Isidro on the 16/8.
Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
Regularly recorded around Bellavista, Tandayapa, Guango Lodge and Cabanas San Isidro.
Bar-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes fuscus)
2 Papallacta Pass 15/8.
Lesser Hornero (Furnarius minor)
A single, in on a Napo River island on 21/8.
Pacific [Pale-legged] Hornero (Furnarius cinnamomeus [leucopus])
Single birds seen from the aircraft window at Guayaquil airport and Mindo.
Azara's Spinetail (Synallaxis azarae)
2, by research centre, Bellavista on 9/8.
Dark-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis albigularis)
A single, in on a Napo River island on 21/8.
White-bellied Spinetail (Synallaxis propinqua)
A single, on a Napo River island on 21/8.
Ruddy Spinetail (Synallaxis rutilans)
A single Sacha Lodge 25/8.
Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa)
Recorded daily around Bellavista & a single Cabanas San Isidro on 18/8.
Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops)
A single on the road near Bellavista 9/8 and a single on the road near Tandayapa on 14/8.
Parker's Spinetail (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
A single, in on a Napo River island on 21/8.
Many-striped Canastero (Asthenes flammulata)
A single along the track to radio masts, at the Papallacta Pass, on 15/8.
Orange-fronted Plushcrown (Metopothrix aurantiacus)
A single at the Finca, Sacha Lodge, on 24/8.
Rusty-winged Barbtail (Premnornis guttuligera)
Several sightings along the trails at Tandayapa and a single at Cabanas San Isidro 16/8.
Spotted Barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens)
Several birds recorded at Bellavista, Tandayapa & Cabanas San Isidro.
Pearled Treerunner (Margarornis squamiger)
Recorded at Bellavista, Tandayapa, Papallacta, Cabanas San Isidro and Guango Lodge.
Streaked Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
Singles recorded at Bellavista and Cabanas San Isidro.
Chestnut-winged Hookbill (Ancistrops strigilatus)
A single along the trail near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge on the 24/8.
Eastern [Striped] Woodhaunter (Hyloctistes subulatus)
A single recorded near the metal canopy tower, Sacha lodge, 23/9.
Lineated Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla subalaris)
2 Bellavista on 8/8 & a single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8.
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps [striaticollis])
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8. .
Streak-capped Treehunter (Thripadectes virgaticeps)
A single along the rails at Tandayapa on 11/8.
Striped Treehunter (Thripadectes holostictus)
A single Bellavista on the 10/8.
Flammulated Treehunter (Thripadectes flammulatus)
A single along the track to the research centre, Bellavista, 11/8.
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner (Automolus ochrolaemus)
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/08.
Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus infuscatus)
A single near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge, 24/8.
Black-tailed Leaftosser (Sclerurus caudacutus)
A single Sacha Lodge on the 25/8.
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus)
Singles Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Tandayapa.
Castelnau's Antshrike (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus [nigrocinereus])
A single bird in on a Napo River island on 21/8.
Uniform Antshrike (Thamnophilus unicolor)
A female at the Antpitta feeder, Tandayapa 12/8.
Plain-winged Antshrike (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
2 birds, Sacha Lodge, on the 25/8.
Mouse-coloured Antshrike (Thamnophilus murinus)
3 birds recorded at Sacha Lodge.
Black Bushbird (Neoctantes niger)
A pair, on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge 21/8.
Russet Antshrike (Thamnistes anabatinus)
A single bird at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary 13/8.
Dusky-throated Antshrike (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus)
Up to 4 birds recorded on 4 dates at Sacha Lodge.
Pygmy Antwren (Myrmotherula brachyura)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge on the 26/8.
Plain-throated Antwren (Myrmotherula hauxwelli)
2 birds Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
Rufous-tailed Antwren (Myrmotherula erythrura)
2 birds Sacha Lodge 26/8.
White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris)
A single bird 24/8.
Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
A single bird on the trails at Tandayapa 11/8.
Grey Antwren (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Banded Antbird (Dichrozona cincta)
One of these superb birds was seen on the trail leading from the Lodge to the metal canopy tower on the 23/8.
Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis)
2 birds Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Long-tailed Antbird (Drymophila caudata)
Several birds seen at Belavista and Cabanas San Isidro - always in bamboo.
Rufous-rumped Antwren (Terenura callinota)
2 birds Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Grey Antbird (Cercomacra cinerascens)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Blackish Antbird (Cercomacra nigrescens)
2 birds Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Black Antbird (Cercomacra serva)
A single bird, on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge 21/8.
Black-faced Antbird (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
2 birds Sacha Lodge on the 21/8, south of the River Napo, accompanying an ant swarm.
Yellow-browed Antbird (Hypocnemis hypoxantha)
A single bird along a trail near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge on 24/8.
Black-and-white Antbird (Myrmochanes hemileucus)
A single bird, along trails south of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on the 21/8
Silvered Antbird (Sclateria naevia)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 25/8.
Esmeraldas Antbird (Myrmeciza nigricauda [laemosticta])
A pair seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Sooty Antbird (Myrmeciza fortis)
2 birds Sacha Lodge, on the 22/8.
Immaculate Antbird (Myrmeciza immaculata)
At Tandayapa: 2 birds visited the antbird feeder at Tandayapa, with several birds also being seen on the trials
Black-throated Antbird (Myrmeciza atrothorax)
A pair, on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge 21/8.
White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons)
Single birds recorded on 3 date at Sacha Lodge.
Bicoloured Antbird (Gymnopithys bicolor [leucaspis])
A single bird, attending an ant swarm, south of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on the 21/8 .
Lunulated Antbird (Gymnopithys lunulata)
3 birds (2 female & 1 male), at ant swarms south of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge on the 21/8 .
Spot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax naevia)
2 birds Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Dot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax punctulata)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Scale-backed Antbird (Hylophylax poecilonota)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Black-spotted Bare-eye (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)
2 birds Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Rufous-capped Antthrush (Formicarius colma)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 25/8. .
Black-faced Antthrush [sp] (Formicarius analis)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 23/8.
Rufous-breasted Antthrush (Formicarius rufipectus)
A single bird along the Potoo trail, Tandayapa, on the 12/8.
Striated Antthrush (Chamaeza nobilis [campanisoma])
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 23/8.
Moustached Antpitta (Grallaria alleni [guatimalensis])
A single bird along the Nunbird trail, Tandayapa, on the 12/8 and a single bird on the trail at Mindo Loma on the evening of the 13/8.
Tawny Antpitta (Grallaria quitensis)
Single birds seen in polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 15/8 an in scrub behind the Hosteria San Jorge, on the evening of the 28/8, which was the last bird I saw in Ecuador. Commonly heard in the highlands.
Thrush-like Antpitta (Myrmothera campanisona)
Single birds seen at Sacha on 24 & 24/8.
Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris)
A single bird along the Potoo trail, Tandayapa, on the 12/8. .
Slate-crowned Antpitta (Grallaricula nana)
A bird called in, and watched down to 6 feet along the road at Cabanas San Isidro on 16/8.
Ash-throated Gnateater (Conopophaga peruviana)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Rusty-belted Tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Spillmann's Tapaculo (Scytalopus spillmanni)
Up to 2 birds seen daily at Bellavista, with many more heard.
Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx)
2 birds seen at Bellavista on the evening of the 8/8, at the start of the main trails, 100yds past the compost bins.
Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii)
A single bird at Bellavista on 9/8 and several birds around Cabanas san Isidro.
White-browed Purpletuft (Iodopleura isabellae [fusca])
A single bird seen from the metal canopy tower at Sacha Lodge, on the 22/8.
Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans)
2 birds seen, but many more heard at Sacha Lodge.
Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana [cotinga])
Several birds seen from the metal and wooden canopy towers, Sacha Lodge.
Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)
A male seen at Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
Bare-necked Fruitcrow (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Up to 2 birds seen on the three dates at Sacha Lodge.
Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata)
A single bird, Sacha Lodge, on 25/8.
Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus)
A pair of these incredible birds seen along the creek, on the south side of the River Napo on the 21/8.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana)
Single birds seen at Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro.
Wire-tailed Manakin (Pipra filicauda)
A single male, Sacha Lodge, on the 22/8.
Golden-headed Manakin (Pipra erythrocephala [rubrocapilla])
A single male, Sacha Lodge, on the 23/8.
White-crowned Manakin (Pipra pipra)
A single male, Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Blue-crowned Manakin (Pipra coronata)
At Sacha Lodge a female seen on the 23/8 and a male on the 25/8.
Golden-winged Manakin (Masius chrysopterus)
2+ males attending a lek at the start of the Nunbird Trail, at Tandayapa, on 12/8 and 2 males seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary the following day.
White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus)
A single female, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
At least 4 birds seen at the Milpe bird Sanctuary, including several at a lek.
Orange-crested Manakin (Heterocercus aurantiivertex [flavivertex])
A single bird along the creek running from the lake to the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge on 22/8.
Dwarf Tyrant-manakin (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
A single bird from the wooded canopy tower, Sacha Lodge, on the 23/8.
Wing-barred Manakin (Piprites chloris)
A single bird along the trail near the inland parrot lick, Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Streak-necked Flycatcher (Mionectes striaticollis)
Several birds seen around Cabanas San Isidro.
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus)
2 birds seen at Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
Bronze-olive Pygmy-tyrant (Pseudotriccus pelzelni)
2 birds Bellavista 11/8 & a single Tandayapa 12/8.
Rufous-headed Pygmy-tyrant (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
A single recorded at Bellavista on the 11/8 and at 2 along the Guacamayos Ridge trail on the 17/8.
Rufous-crowned Tody-tyrant (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
Pairs were seen along the road at Cabanas San Isidro on the 16 & 17/8.
White-eyed Tody-tyrant (Hemitriccus zosterops)
A single bird at, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8. .
Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
A single bird at Sacha Lodge, on the 23/8. .
Ringed Antpipit (Corythopis torquata [delalandi])
One of these bizarre flycatchers was seen at Sacha Lodge, on the 25/8.
Slender-footed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius gracilipes)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge, on the 22/8.
Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops [viridiflavus])
A single bird seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Grey Elaenia (Myiopagis caniceps)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge, on the 25/8.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster)
A single bird seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps)
A single bird seen at Bellavista on the 9/8.
Mottle-backed Elaenia (Elaenia gigas)
Several birds seen around Sacha Lodge.
Sierran Elaenia (Elaenia pallatangae)
A single bird seen at Bellavista on the 9/8.
White-throated Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
Several birds seen around Papallacta.
White-tailed Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
A single bird seen at Bellavista on the 9/8.
White-banded Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
Several birds daily around Guango Lodge.
Lesser Wagtail-tyrant (Stigmatura napensis)
A single bird seen on a Napor River island, Sacha Lodge, on the 24/8.
Tufted Tit-tyrant (Anairetes parulus)
2 birds seen at Sacha Lodge on the 27/8.
Double-banded Pygmy-tyrant (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Brownish Flycatcher (Cnipodectes subbrunneus)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus)
2 birds seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Flavescent Flycatcher (Myiophobus flavicans)
A single bird seen at Tandayapa on the 12/8.
Handsome Flycatcher (Myiophobus pulcher)
A single, Cabanas San Isidro on the 16/8.
Bran-coloured Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus)
A single newar Tandayapa on the 14/8.
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Myiobius erythrurus)
A single at Sacha Lodge on 26/8.
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher (Myiobius villosus)
2 birds seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary on 13/8.
Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea)
Recorded at Bellavista, Cabanas San Isidro, and Guango Lodge.
Fuscous Flycatcher (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
A single at Sacha Lodge on 21/8.
Smoke-coloured Pewee (Contopus fumigatus)
Recorded at Bellavista, Cabanas San Isidro, and Guango Lodge.
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
A single roadside bird in the Tandayapa Valley 14/8.
Yellow-bellied Chat-tyrant (Silvicultrix diadema)
2 birds along the track leading to the Research Centre, Bellavista, 11/8.
Rufous-breasted Chat-tyrant (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
Single birds near the Termas de Papallacta Hotel and along the pipeline track at Guango Lodge.
Brown-backed Chat-tyrant (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
4 birds recorded around the Termas de Papallacta Hotel and 2 Yanacocha on 28/8.
Drab Water-tyrant (Ochthornis littoralis)
Single birds recorded along the bank of the Rio Napo, near Sacha Lodge, on 2 dates.
Cinnamon Attila (Attila cinnamomeus)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
Greyish Mourner (Rhytipterna simplex)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
Eastern Sirystes (Sirystes sibilator)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 23/8.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
Short-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus ferox)
Single birds seen at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Pale-edged Flycatcher (Myiarchus cephalotes)
Several birds seen daily around the Cabanas san Isidro.
Rufous-tailed Flatbill (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 25/8.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Recorded at Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Cabañas San Isidro.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 20/8.
Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
Small numbers recorded daily around Bellavista, often feed in on moths around the lights at dawn.
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)
Small numbers recorded daily around Sacha Lodge.
Grey-capped Flycatcher (Myiozetetes granadensis)
Single birds seen at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius)
Small numbers seen at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Lesser Kiskadee (Philohydor lictor)
Small numbers seen at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Small numbers recorded daily around Sacha Lodge.
Cinnamon Becard (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus [castaneus])
2 birds recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
One-coloured Becard (Pachyramphus homochrous)
A single bird recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Pink-throated Becard (Pachyramphus minor)
Small numbers seen at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Black-tailed Tityra (Tityra cayana)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on the 23/8.
White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)
Recorded daily on the river and lake near Sacha Lodge.
Brown-chested Martin (Phaeoprogne tapera)
Recorded along the River Napo, near Sacha Lodge.
Grey-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea [subis])
Recorded along the River Napo, near Sacha Lodge.
Brown-bellied Swallow (Notiochelidon murina)
Common in the highlands e.g. Termas de Papallacta and Guango Lodge.
Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
Common around the Tandayapa Valley.
White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata)
Small numbers recorded on most journeys along the Rio Napo.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Small numbers recorded around Sacha Lodge & the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)
A single bird, seen in flight, along the river at Guango Lodge on 18/8.
Black-capped Donacobius (Donacobius atricapillus)
Regular around the lake at Sacha Lodge.
Thrush-like Wren (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
Recorded at Sacha Lodge on 2 dates.
Rufous Wren (Cinnycerthia unirufa)
A part of 6 birds along Guacamayos Ridge trail, near Cabanas san Isidro 0n 17/8 and a party of 4 on along the trail at Yanacocha
Grass Wren (Cistothorus platensis platensis)
Recorded near the Hosteria San Jorge on the 27 & 28/8.
Plain-tailed Wren (Thryothorus euophrys)
A party of three birds in bamboo near the Research Centre, Bellevista.
Coraya Wren (Thryothorus coraya)
2 birds recorded at Sacha Lodge on 21/8.
Southern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
Single birds recorded at Mindo and the Hacienda at Sacha Lodge.
Mountain Wren (Troglodytes solstitialis)
Small numbers recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Cabanas San Isidro and Guango Lodge
White-breasted Wood-wren (Henicorhina leucosticta)
A single seen at Sacha Lodge on 25/8.
Grey-breasted Wood-wren (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Common around Bellavista, Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro.
Southern Nightingale-wren (Microcerculus marginatus)
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on 13/8 and 2 at Sacha Lodge on 23/8.
Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides)
Commonly heard singing around Bellavista & Tandayapa, but only 1 seen very briefly.
Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush (Catharus fuscater)
A single at Bellavista on 10/8.
Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater)
Common in the highlands, e.g. Bellavista, Guango lodge and Papallacta
Glossy-black Thrush (Turdus serranus)
Regular around Bellavista, Cabanas San Isidro and Guango lodge.
Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis)
Recorded at Sacha Lodge on most days, with a maximum of 10 on 21/8.
Lawrence's Thrush (Turdus lawrencii)
2 birds at Sacha Lodge on 23/10.
White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis)
At Sacha Lode; 2 birds seen on 23/10 ans a single on 25/10.
Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa [viridicyana])
Regular at Bellavista, often feeding around the lights at dawn. Also recorded at Cabanas San Isidro and Guango lodge.
Violaceous Jay (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Small numbers recorded at Sacha Lodge on most days.
Inca [Green] Jay (Cyanocorax yncas)
Recorded daily around Cabanas San Isidro.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
A single bird seen at Mindo on the 13/8.
Brown-capped Vireo (Vireo leucophrys [gilvus])
Regular around Bellavista, Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro.
Tawny-crowned Greenlet (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
A single bird seen at Sacha Lodge on 26/8.
Lesser Greenlet (Hylophilus decurtatus)
2 birds, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, on the 13/8.
Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi [americana])
Singles recorded at Mindo, Tandayapa and the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus)
Fairly common around Bellavista and Tandayapa.
Spectacled Redstart (Myioborus melanocephalus [ornatus])
Scarcer than the previous species as Bellavista, but commonly recorded at higher elevations such as Guango Lodge and Termas de Papallacta.
Choco (Golden-bellied) Warbler (Basileuterus chrysogaster)
2 birds seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Black-crested Warbler (Basileuterus nigrocristatus)
A Single seen at Guango Lodge on 18/8 with 2 seen there on the 19th.
Russet-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus coronatus)
The Western race elatus,was common around Tandayapa & Bellavista, with the grey Eastern race orientalis, regular at Guango Lodge
Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus)
Small numbers recorded at Bellavista and Tandayapa.
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)
A single at Mindo, on the 13/8.
Cinereous Conebill (Conirostrum cinereum)
Singles recorded at Guango Lodge on the 18 & 19/8.
Blue-backed Conebill (Conirostrum sitticolor)
2 birds in a feeding flock at Guango Lodge on the 19/8.
Capped Conebill (Conirostrum albifrons)
Singles recorded at Bellavista on the 9/8 and at Guango Lodge on the 19/8.
Giant Conebill (Oreomanes fraseri)
A single bird, in a feeding flock, in the polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 15/8
Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leveriana)
Recorded on several dates at Sacha Lodge.
Grass-green Tanager (Chlorornis riefferii)
Up to 4 birds recorded on two dates at Bellevaista.
Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
2 birds along the Guacamayos Ridge trail, near Cabanas san Isidro 0n 17/8.
Dusky Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus semifuscus)
Fairly common around Bellavista.
Yellow-throated Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
12 birds recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Grey-hooded Bush-tanager (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
2 birds seen at Guango Lodge on the 19/8.
Superciliaried Hemispingus (Hemispingus superciliaris)
A single bird seen at Yanacocha on the 28/8.
Black-eared Hemispingus (Hemispingus melanotis)
Small numbers recorded at Cabanas San Isidro and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail.
Rufous-chested Tanager (Thlypopsis ornata)
A single bird seen at Bellavista on the 6/8.
Ochre-breasted Tanager (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni)
6 birds seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus)
2 birds seen at Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
A single bird seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
White-winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera)
2 birds seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8 and 1 single at Tandayapa the following day
Red-hooded Tanager (Piranga rubriceps)
A single in a feeding flock at Guango Lodge on the 19/8.
Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
Singles recorded on two dates at Sacha Lodge.
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo)
A single at Sacha Lodge on the 19/8.
Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
6 at Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/9.
Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus [sayaca])
Recorded at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Cabanas San Isidro and Sacha Lodge.
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)
6 at Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/9.
Moss-backed Tanager (Bangsia edwardsi)
2 of this localised species, which is a speciality of the reserve, were seen at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Hooded Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana)
Regular around Guango Lodge and Yanacocha.
Black-chested Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis eximia)
2 near Papallacta Lake on 15/8.
Lacrimose Mountain-tanager (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
4, Cabanas San Isidro, on the 18/8.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager (Anisognathus igniventris)
A flock of a bout 20 birds along the track at Yanacocha on the 28/8.
Blue-winged Mountain-tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus)
Commonly recorded at Bellavista and Tandayapa.
Golden-crowned Tanager (Iridosornis rufivertex)
2, Yanacocha on the 28/8.
Fawn-breasted Tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota)
3, Cabanas San Isidro on the 16/8.
Orange-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia saturata)
2, Mindo on the 13/8.
Golden-rumped Euphonia (Euphonia cyanocephala [musica])
2, Mindo on the 13/8.
White-lored Euphonia (Euphonia chrysopasta)
A single, Sacha Lodge on the 22/8.
White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta)
Singles recorded at Sacha Lodge on 2 dates.
Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)
Recorded at Bellavista, Tandayapa, Mindo and Sacha Lodge.
Rufous-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia rufiventris [cayennensis])
2, Sacha Lodge on 23/8.
Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis)
A single, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, on the 13/8.
Turquoise Tanager (Tangara mexicana)
A single at Sacha Lodge on 22/8.
Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis)
Up to 4 birds recorded at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Green-and-gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii)
Small numbers recorded at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus)
Recorded at Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Tandayapa.
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala)
Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)
Small numbers recorded at Cabanas San Isidro.
Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii)
Small numbers recorded at Cabanas San Isidro.
Rufous-throated Tanager (Tangara rufigula)
Golden-naped Tanager (Tangara ruficervix)
A single, Tandayapa, on the 14/8.
Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis)
A single bird visiting a feeding station at a café /hotel in San Miguel de los Bancos on 13/8
Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis)
Regular at Bellavista & Tandayapa.
Blue-and-black Tanager (Tangara vassorii)
Regular at Bellavista.
Black-capped Tanager (Tangara heinei)
Regular at Tandayapa and Cabanas San Isidro
Opal-rumped Tanager (Tangara velia)
Recorded on several dates at Sacha Lodge, usually from the canopy towers.
Opal-crowned Tanager (Tangara callophrys)
Recorded on several dates at Sacha Lodge, usually from the canopy towers.
Black-faced Dacnis [sp] (Dacnis lineata)
2 from the wooden canopy tower, Sacha Lodge on the 23/8.
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana)
Singles, recorded from the canopy towers at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
Up to 3 birds recorded from the canopy towers at Sacha Lodge on several dates.
Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
A single Sacha Lodge on the 21/8.
Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis)
Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
Common around Bellavista and Tandayapa.
Yellow-browed Sparrow (Ammodramus aurifrons)
A single on a River Napo island on the 21/08.
Pale-naped Brush-finch (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
2, Gualngo lodge on the 18 & 18/8.
Rufous-naped Brush-finch (Atlapetes rufinucha)
2 near the Hosteria San George on the 27/8.
Tricoloured Brush-finch (Atlapetes tricolor)
4, in roadside scrub, at Tandayapa on the 14/8.
Slaty Brush-finch (Atlapetes schistaceus)
A single along the pipeline trail, at Guango Lodge, on the 19/8.
White-winged Brush-finch (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Several sighting at Tandayapa, either around the lodge itself, or along the road.
Chestnut-capped Brush-finch [sp] (Atlapetes brunneinucha)
Regular around Tandayapa and Bellavista.
Stripe-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes torquatus)
2 near the Hosteria San George on the 27/8.
Olive Finch (Lysurus castaneiceps)
A single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on the 13/8.
Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis)
1 single along the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on the 26/8.
Black-backed Bush-tanager (Urothraupis stolzmanni)
At least 4 birds in a feeding flock in the polyepis wood near the Papallacta Pass on 15/8.
Plumbeous Sierra-finch (Phrygilus unicolor)
Fairly common around Papallacta.
Variable Seedeater [sp] (Sporophila americana)
10+ in a mixed flock of seedeaters near Mindo on the 13/08.
Caqueta Seedeater (Sporophila murallae)
2 on a River Napo Island, near Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis)
2+ in a mixed flock of seedeaters near Mindo on the 13/08.
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila castaneiventris)
Several, seen on River Napo islands, near Sacha Lodge.
Blue Seedeater [sp] (Amaurospiza concolor)
A single male, Tandayapa on the 14/8.
Plain-coloured Seedeater (Catamenia inornata)
Fairly common around Papallacta.
Paramo Seedeater [sp] (Catamenia homochroa)
A single, near the Termas de Papallacta hotel on the 14/8.
Dull-coloured Grassquit (Tiaris obscura)
2+ in a mixed flock of seedeaters near Mindo on the 13/08. .
Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivacea)
A single in a mixed flock of seedeaters near Mindo on the 13/08.
White-sided Flower-piercer (Diglossa albilatera)
Recorded on several dates around Bellavista, Tandayapa and Guango Lodge.
Glossy Flower-piercer (Diglossa lafresnayii)
A single at Guango Lodge on the 19/8 at least a dozen at Yanacocha on the 28/8.
Black Flower-piercer (Diglossa humeralis)
A single Yanacocha on the 19/08.
Masked Flower-piercer (Diglossopis cyanea)
Regularly seen around Bellavista, cabanas San Isidro and Guango Lodge.
[Southern] Yellow Grosbeak (Pheucticus [chrysogaster]chrysopeplus)
A single near the Research Centre, Bella vista on the 12/8 and 2 birds, seen regularly around the Hotel San Jorge, where they visited the feeding stations.
Slate-coloured Grosbeak (Pitylus grossus)
A Single at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary on 13/08 and a single at Sacha Lodge.
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus)
A single at Sacha Lodge on the 25/8.
Greyish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens)
Single recorded at Sacha Lodge on 2 dates.
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)
Regular around Sacha Lodge, but less common than the following species.
Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons)
Common around Cabanas San Isidro & Sacha Lodge.
Subtropical Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
2 Cabanas San Isidro on the 16/8.
Ecuadorian Cacique (Cacicus sclateri)
4 on the south side of the River Napo, Sacha Lodge, on the 21/8.
Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)
Fairly common around Sacha Lodge.
Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus [cayanensis])
Recorded on 2 dates at Sacha Lodge.
Orange-backed Troupial (Icterus croconotus)
A single recorded at Sacha Lodge on the 26/8.
Oriole Blackbird (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
Recorded on 2 dates, on the Napo River Islands, Sacha Lodge.
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
Small parties encountered on several datea at Sacha Lodge.
Giant Cowbird (Scaphidura oryzivora)
Small numbers recorded on several dates at Sacha Lodge.
Species List - Mammals
Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)
2+ were regular visitors to a tree near the Sacha Lodge.
Black Mantled Tamarin (Saguinus nigricollis)
Recorded on several occasions at Sacha Lodge.
Night [Owl] Monkey (Aotus vociferans)
A group were seen during the day peering from at a regular roosting hole, a party were also seen moving through the trees at dawn. All near Sacha lodge.
Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Recorded on several occasions at Sacha Lodge.
White-fronted Capuchin Monkey (Cebus albifrons)
Recorded on several occasions at Sacha Lodge.
Dusky Titi Monkey (Callicebus cupreus)
A mother and small baby seen in trees by the riverside parrot lick, near Sacha Lodge.
Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus)
Recorded on several occasions at Sacha Lodge, more often heard than seen!
Southern Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus)
1 near Sacha Lodge - Brent & Linda only.
Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
1 on a nigh walk at Sacha Lodge - Brent & Linda only
Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
Occasionally seen around the buildings at Sacha Lodge.